Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, one of the youngest local government executives in the Philippines, has focused on combating corruption and pushing for institutional reforms within his administration. In an interview with The STAR’s online show “Truth on the Line,” Sotto emphasized the significance of establishing strong systems and shifting cultural attitudes to fight the pervasive issue of corruption.
“Corruption is a problem of weak institutions and cultural acceptance,” he stated.
He further explained that, over the years, certain corrupt practices had become normalized. “For decades, certain practices have become ingrained and accepted. We’ve shown in Pasig that these can be challenged and changed,” he added.
Sotto expressed confidence that most public servants desire a clean government but require strong leadership to expose corruption and drive reforms.
Under his leadership, Pasig’s administration tackled the entrenched corruption in the city. He mentioned that some project budgets were being siphoned off by corrupt syndicates, claiming that “around 20-30 percent – sometimes more – of project budgets were pocketed.” By eliminating kickbacks and the ‘palakasan’ system, his team has demonstrated that meaningful change is achievable.
Sotto attributed his ability to combat corruption to setting an example of integrity. “This moral ascendancy allows me to hold others accountable without hesitation,” he said, confidently assuring that no public funds had been misappropriated during his term.
The mayor also pointed to efforts to ensure long-term reforms, such as the “Ugnayan sa Pasig” initiative, a freedom of information (FOI) and feedback unit launched in his first 100 days in office. This initiative allows residents to request information and submit complaints, thus promoting transparency and accountability. Sotto noted, “While many requests are complaints or feedback rather than formal FOI requests, these insights help us understand public sentiment and improve services.”
In terms of structural reforms, Sotto mentioned the creation of a Procurement Management Office to guarantee compliance with legal processes and the inclusion of civil society organizations in procurement activities. “It’s harder to do things legally and correctly, but we are training and equipping our employees to uphold these standards,” he explained.
Among his proudest achievements is the doubling of scholarship beneficiaries in Pasig and the insulation of the city’s bureaucracy from political interference. “Removing politics from government work ensures continuity in service delivery, regardless of election cycles,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Sotto is focused on expanding current programs and improving the utilization of resources. “We’re now in expansion mode. For instance, the local senior pension program will include more beneficiaries. These programs are the fruits of the reforms we’ve planted,” he said.
Currently serving his second term, Sotto is preparing for his third and final term, should he be re-elected. When asked about his future political aspirations, he made it clear that his focus remains on his current role. “I want to focus on where I am now. After my term, I might explore other opportunities, but they’ll always be related to government or public service,” he said.
Regarding his legacy, Sotto hopes to be remembered as “the mayor who helped lay the foundations of good governance in Pasig.” He concluded, “Good governance isn’t flashy, but it is the bedrock of progress. If you build the right systems and lead with integrity, everything else – whether scholarships, health services or infrastructure – will follow.”
